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TSN Basketball Analyst

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TSN Basketball Analyst Jack Armstrong returns with his five quick thoughts on Mavericks star rookie Luka Doncic, Kyle Lowry, Kenneth Faried and much more.

1. LUKA DONCIC (Mavericks): If this guy doesn’t make the Western Conference All-Star team, it will be a joke. I’ve had the good fortune to watch him play in person twice and many times on TV. He is a big time talent with great passing instincts, scoring savvy, shooting stroke and is a rugged rebounder. He's a legitimate future star.   

2. KYLE LOWRY (Raptors): This past week was a step in the right direction for him. He's starting to find his shot and overall he's playing with greater swagger. They need him at the level he’s capable of playing at for the past five years in Toronto. If he gets there, this team can take that next step of accomplishment.    

3. KENNETH FARIED (Rockets): The Rockets are a perfect fit for him. He’s an ideal energy guy, chasing down loose balls, dunking, setting screens and playing defence. He was on the scrap heap in Denver and Brooklyn and it was a savvy pickup by Houston. I like the match here.     

4. BOJAN BOGDANOVIC (Pacers): He's having a good year, averaging 16 points and four rebounds, shooting 49, 43 and 84 per cent. He's a big strong guy who can stroke it and deceivingly does a good job creating his own shot. His defense is underrated, is persistent in his effort, keeps his guy in front of him and challenges shots.      

5. RAPTORS VS. BUCKS (Thursday Jan 31): Shameless plug but this is a significant game on TSN this week. The Raptors are right on the tails of Milwaukee and need to win to not allow Milwaukee (leads matchup 2-1) to get the tie breaker. The last two games between the teams have come down to the final few minutes and this promises to be the same. Raptors get three days off to prepare which always helps. Can’t wait!